IIM Jammu’s 9th Annual Convocation on April 2 features ICICI CEO Sandeep Bakhshi as chief guest; 520 students graduate amid new AI dual-degree launch.
IIM Jammu marks 9th Annual Convocation
The Indian Institute of Management Jammu (IIM Jammu) celebrated its 9th Annual Convocation on 2 April 2026 at the picturesque Rangmanch Amphitheatre, Jagti Campus. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the institute’s journey of academic excellence, institutional growth, and nation‑building. Dignitaries, faculty, students, and proud families gathered to recognise the achievements of the graduating cohort and reaffirm the institute’s commitment to shaping mindful, entrepreneurial leaders.
The event began with the arrival of Shri Sandeep Bakhshi, Managing Director & CEO of ICICI Bank, who attended as the Chief Guest. His presence was followed by an interaction with the Board of Governors, a campus tour, and the planting of a sapling in the courtyard, symbolising growth, continuity, and environmental stewardship.
Chief Guest’s address: resilience, integrity, and collaboration
Shri Sandeep Bakhshi delivered the Convocation Address, urging graduates to embrace resilience, integrity, and adaptability as core leadership traits. Drawing on his four‑decade career in the financial services sector, he highlighted the strength and stability of India’s regulatory and financial ecosystem and explained how institutions like ICICI Bank have contributed to infrastructure development and financial inclusion.
He emphasised that challenges and uncertainty are inevitable in any professional journey and that long‑term success comes from persistence, learning, and continuous adaptation. He encouraged students to view difficulties as opportunities for growth and to cultivate multiple leadership styles that balance empathy, decisiveness, and innovation.
A central theme of his speech was the shift from competition to collaboration. He urged students to treat peers not as rivals but as partners in a shared pursuit of excellence. He stressed the importance of teamwork, mutual respect, and collective progress, arguing that such collaboration generates greater value for organisations and society.
Bakhshi also highlighted the need for lifelong learning, agility, and curiosity in a rapidly evolving global landscape. He called on the graduates to upgrade their skills, embrace emerging technologies, and remain open to new ideas, noting that adaptability and continuous learning are critical for sustained relevance and success.
Chairman’s welcome: nation‑building and Viksit Bharat
Padma Shri Dr. Milind P. Kamble, Chairman of the Board of Governors, IIM Jammu, delivered the welcome address, setting the tone for the occasion with a vision of inclusive growth, innovation, and nation‑building. He framed India’s rise not only in terms of economic scale but in its ability to build resilient industries, advance AI literacy, and align education with national priorities.
Dr. Kamble described Viksit Bharat 2047 as a defining mission, supported by strong economic fundamentals, rapid digital transformation, and an inclusive development agenda. He also highlighted IIM Jammu’s role in this journey, noting the institute’s steady rise as a hub of academic excellence, innovation, and leadership in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
He credited the institute’s progress to a culture of discipline, forward‑looking vision, and collective commitment from faculty, students, and stakeholders. Dr. Kamble pointed to initiatives such as Mission YUVA, which promotes entrepreneurship and employment creation, and the Centre for Innovation, Technology and Governance (CITaG), which strengthens public policy and governance.
Dr. Kamble also praised the performance of graduates from MBA, MBA (HA & HM), EMBA, PhD, and IPM programmes, calling them dynamic, future‑ready leaders equipped to tackle complex global challenges. He also urged them to remain adaptable, socially responsible, and innovation‑driven as they enter the workforce.
Director’s Report: academic excellence and national impact
Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director of IIM Jammu, presented the Director’s Report, outlining the institute’s achievements and reaffirming its vision of nurturing mindful, entrepreneurial leaders. He highlighted IIM Jammu’s consistent excellence in placements, its strong rankings, and its increasing contribution to the socio‑economic development of Jammu & Kashmir.
Prof. Sahay noted the institute’s rise in national rankings, including the 35th position in the NIRF 2025 rankings, and emphasised that 50% of its students are women, underscoring its commitment to inclusivity and gender balance. He highlighted international accreditations such as BGA Institutional Accreditation and EFMD Programme Accreditation, which align IIM Jammu with global standards of academic excellence.
The Director also described initiatives in entrepreneurship, MSMEs, healthcare, and startups, along with Anandam – The Centre for Happiness and Wellbeing, which reflects the institute’s focus on holistic development. He encouraged the graduating students to dream big, think boldly, and lead with purpose, aligning their careers with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Placements and programme highlights
The convocation also showcased the institute’s strong placement outcomes. Graduates from the MBA, MBA (HA & HM), EMBA, and IPM programmes secured roles in BFSI, Consulting, IT & Analytics, FMCG, Operations, and Healthcare. Recruiters included ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Deloitte, EY, Moody’s, Cognizant, Infosys, Accenture, HCLTech, Tata Elxsi, Swiggy, Apollo, Dr. Lal Path Labs, Narayana Health, and Carelon, reflecting robust industry confidence in IIM Jammu’s talent.
A total of 520 students received degrees across programmes. The MBA programme conferred degrees on 289 students (13 from the 8th batch, 2023–25, and 276 from the 9th batch, 2024–26). The MBA (HA & HM) programme awarded degrees to 77 students, the EMBA to 31, and the Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) to 123 students. On this occasion, a PhD scholar in Management (OB & HR) also received a doctorate, marking a key research milestone for the institute.
Oath‑taking, awards, and closing
The ceremony also included the degree‑conferral and oath‑taking rituals, with Padma Shri Dr. Milind P. Kamble conferring the degrees and Prof. B. S. Sahay administering the professional pledge. The Convocation Souvenir was released by Shri Sandeep Bakhshi, further commemorating the event.
The institute also recognised top performers across programmes with medals and special citations, celebrating excellence in academics and leadership. The Convocation concluded with the National Song and National Anthem, followed by a formal dinner and a return procession, marking the end of a memorable and defining occasion.
Through this Convocation, IIM Jammu reaffirmed its position as a rapidly ascending management school, committed to academic excellence, innovation, and national development, and ready to shape the next generation of leaders for a progressive and self‑reliant India.
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